Some sinks are available with "tile-in" edges. Designed to mount flush with a tiled surface, they offer a built-in, grouted sink edge. Self-rimming, drop-in sinks work well with any countertop material but have a raised lip that may, depending on the sink material you choose, interfere with cleaning.

With the great number of faucets on the market, there is a design for everyone. "Style is strictly a personal taste issue," Isley says. He doesn‘t dictate what clients choose design-wise — people like what they like, after all — but he does guide them when it comes to function and finishes. Most faucets use cartridge, ball or ceramic disc valves. A faucet with a ceramic disk valve and solid brass base materials will be the most durable. Though many attractive faucets have two handles, Isley always pushes for single-lever faucets in the kitchen. He also suggests clients include a spray arm for filling pots with water or rinsing the sink, whether it‘s part of the spout or a separate piece. Consider other convenient extras, like a garbage disposal and hot water dispenser.

Flexibility of size. "You can make your granite kitchen sink any size you want; you’re not limited by what the manufacturers have to offer. Most of our ‘trough’ sinks are 6 feet long. We usually limit the depth to 9 inches because anything deeper is not ergonomically comfortable," De Giulio says. Often his company installs granite sinks with multiple levels inside, such as a 4-inch or 6-inch-deep section.